Commercial Fire Alarm System Requirements

For example section 13 7 2 13 1 of the code requires smoke alarms or a smoke detection system in new and existing one and two family dwellings.

Commercial fire alarm system requirements. In addition these other systems may or may not be mandatory depending the occupancy classification and there are also requirements that vary by occupancy. When a fire alarm is pulled the alarm must create an audible signal heard throughout the building. Qrfs details nfpa code for fire alarm initiation occupant notification and monitoring of educational detention and correctional assembly mercantile business storage and industrial facilities. Biological chemical and nuclear emergencies.

Typically smoke alarms are required where we expect to find occupants sleeping. Different types of fire alarms although there are different types of fire alarms for commercial establishments they share common traits. The national fire protection association nfpa sets forth requirements for testing inspection and maintenance of a commercial fire alarm system. Qrfs explains how the rules differ for one and two family dwellings lodging and rooming houses hotels and dormitories apartments residential care facilities inpatient and outpatient healthcare occupancies and daycares.

Codes and regulations dictate the functionality of commercial fire alarm systems including what type it is and what monitoring procedure must take place. Fire alarm systems in healthcare childcare and residential buildings each have distinct requirements. These are listed under the national fire alarm code also known as npfa 72. All fire alarms must be clearly visible to occupants of the building as well as accessible to people with disabilities.

These commonalities are what help us understand how fire alarm systems work. In addition to the core focus on fire alarm systems the code includes requirements for mass notification systems used for weather emergencies. The national fire protection association has unique fire alarm requirements for each occupancy type. Section 13 7 2 of the code addresses the occupancy specific requirements for fire alarm and smoke alarms.

This article deals exclusively with requirements for fire alarm systems but consider there are only among many fire protection systems for buildings.